Subject: words & phrases "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" The lack of something increases the desire for it, thats what this term means. Its origin comes from Francis Davidson's Poetical Rhapsody, 1602. Also in Thomas Haynes Bayly's (1797-1839) Isle of Beauty. 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder, Isle of Beauty, Fare thee well!'. Want to find out about other much used words and phrases ? Lawrence J. words & phrases